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How do you decide
if a number is
Rational or Irrational? |
 Rational
Numbers
A number that can be written or expressed as a quotient of two
integers, when the divisor (or the denominator) is not zero, are called
rational numbers
For example: 1, 5, -2, 18
2 8 3 9
 One
of the most important characteristics of rational numbers is that when
you change them into decimals by dividing the denominator into the
numerator, the resulting decimal number will either terminate (meaning
there is no remainder when dividing) or there will be a repeating
decimal pattern.
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For Example: |
2 is rationale because:
2 ÷ 3 = .666 (Repeating Decimal)
3 |
1 is rationale because 8 ÷ 1 = .125 (terminates
- No Remainder)
3 |
Irrational Numbers
There are also decimal numbers which DO NOT terminate or repeat.
Instead the decimal number goes on and on, never ending or repeating.
When that happens we have an irrational number.
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For Example: |
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√7
= 2.645751311....
As you can see it does not terminate or repeat. |
One of the most important irrational
numbers is 
(Pi)
Remember: All numbers are either
Rational or Irrational
Let's Practice!
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